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Iga Swiatek's hiring of Naomi Osaka's ex-coach Wim Fissette has sparked discussions among tennis fans. While many expressed their apprehensions at the announcement, others have come up with amused reactions.
Swiatek enjoyed a brilliant 2024 season winning the French Open, the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, and four WTA 1000 events. However, she has been out of action since the US Open and withdrew from tournaments at the Asian Swing due to personal reasons.
Amid her break, the Pole recently shocked the tennis world when she announced that she had parted ways with her longtime coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, who worked with her from the end of 2021 to 2024. The two had a highly successful partnership winning three French Opens, one US Open, and the 2023 WTA Finals.
With much speculation around who the 23-year-old was planning to hire next, Iga Swiatek announced that she would be bringing Wim Fissette on board as she looks for a "long-term" solution.
Fissette previously coached Naomi Osaka, who returned to court this year after giving birth to her daughter Shai. The Belgian and the Japanese also worked together in the past before Osaka went on a hiatus, but they couldn't replicate similar results in their recent outing. Thus, the Japanese ended their partnership and hired Serena Williams' ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
Fans on social media reacted to the news of Swiatek hiring Fissette. One joked that Zheng Qinwen would never lose to Swiatek, alluding to when Fissette controversially ended his partnership with the Chinese to rejoin Osaka once she returned from her hiatus. The two women have met twice since and Qinwen has won on both occasions.
"Queenwen will never lose to Iga ever again," the fan said.
"But have you seen his CV? This is not who you hire when you’re looking to fill a position long-term," another tweeted.
"To be honest, not sure how I feel about this?!? I feel like it will be either amazing, or will crash and burn Wim’s career 😅 lots of pressure when starting coaching the current world number 1, literally only one way the partnership will be seen as successful… if she stays at no. 1," a third fan wrote.
Here are some other reactions from the fans discussing Iga Swiatek's decision.
"Maybe Iga was moved by how much Naomi challenged her during the french open this year under him lol, but Wim didn't help Naomi’s game and weaknesses, progress at all really," one wrote.
"WTA coaching carousel strikes again!" another said.
"Wim Fisette is just Kevin Durant in white face. Chasing the next ring," a fan commented.
Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka will lock horns at the WTA Finals with the World No. 1 ranking on the line
With Iga Swiatek missing out on the Asian Swing and Aryna Sabalenka winning the Wuhan Open, the Belarusian has reduced the gap at the top to only 69 points. While the Pole possesses 9785 points, Sabalenka has 9716 points.
The World No. 2 will have the chance to reclaim the top ranking at the WTA Finals this year. She had made it to the semifinals last year but was defeated by eventual champion Swiatek in straight sets.
The two women have butted heads three times this year already. While the World No. 1 won their matchups on clay (Madrid and Rome), the reigning US Open champion got her win at the Cincinnati Masters. It is worth noting that the winner of their matchups has gone on to win the tournament on every occasion this season.
